Troy Schelke of Harbor Beach High School named Detroit Lions Coach of the Week for week 8

Detroit, MI—The Detroit Lions have named Troy Schelke of Harbor Beach High School the week eight recipient of the 2012 High School Coach of the Week Program presented by the Michigan National Guard.

On October 12, Schelke led his Pirates, currently ranked No. 7 in Division 8, to a 66-10 victory over Marlette to raise their record to 7-1. Now in his 24th season at Harbor Beach and his 16th season as head coach, Schelke has a career record of 103-58. Schelke has led his Pirates to the state playoffs in nine seasons. This Friday, Harbor Beach, a member of the Greater Thumb Conference-East, will look to improve to 8-1 as they take on Unionville-Sebewaing at home at 7 p.m. in the regular season finale.

In terms of promoting player health and safety within the football program, Harbor Beach football student-athletes receive a baseline concussion test from Dr. Robert Oakes as part of their pre-season physical.

Coach of the Week ProgramEach week throughout the 2012 nine-week high school football regular season, one coach that best develops his players’ character, discipline, and football skill in addition to emphasizing player health and safety in their program, will be recognized for his commitment to the team, school, and community. The winner is selected by a panel of high school football media members—Mick McCabe (Detroit Free Press), Hugh Bernreuter (Saginaw News), Bret Bakita (107.3 FM-WBBL, Grand Rapids), and Scott DeCamp (Mlive.com/Kalamazoo).

This season’s program will award $22,000 to aid in the development and promotion of high school football in the state of Michigan thanks to contributions from the Detroit Lions and the National Football League and presenting sponsor, Michigan National Guard.

Each winning coach throughout the regular season will receive a $2,000 donation to his school’s football program. All weekly winners will be honored at an awards ceremony during the Lions-Bears game at Ford Field on December 30. During the ceremony, the Lions will also introduce the High School Coach of the Year. This season’s Coach of the Year will receive a $4,000 donation to his team’s football program.

In addition to the monetary award, all winners receive a certificate signed by Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz and National Football League (NFL) commissioner Roger Goodell. Winning coaches also receive a personalized game ball and a Detroit Lions “Coach of the Week” hat.

Currently in its’ 16th year, the Detroit Lions High School Coach of the Week program has awarded $290,000 to high school football programs throughout the state of Michigan. For more information on the Detroit Lions High SchoolCoach of the Week program, contact Chris Fritzsching, Lions’ Director of Youth Football, at 313-262-2248.